BISHOP JAMES OGLETHORPE PATTERSON, JR.

Church History  |  Bishop Charles Harrison Mason  |  Bishop J.O. Patterson, Sr.  |  Bishop J.O. Patterson, Jr.

Bishop James Oglethorpe Patterson, Jr., the Senior Pastor at Pentecostal Temple Church Of God In Christ, is the son of the late Presiding Bishop James Oglethorpe Patterson, Sr. and Mother Deborah Indiana Mason Patterson. He is also the grandson of the late founding father of the Church of God in Christ, Bishop Charles Harrison Mason. Bishop J. O. Patterson, Jr. is well prepared to pastor this very unique congregation; the only one in the brotherhood pastored by a direct descendant of the founder. He grew up under the teachings of his grandfather and his father, two of the greatest spiritual leaders and church builders of our times. Bishop Patterson fondly remembers and now implements the godly wisdom, instruction and counsel that he received from his grandfather, father and mother.

Bishop Patterson is married to the former Rose E. Kelly of Nashville, Tennessee. He is the father of four children: Dr. James O. Patterson, III, Aaron Lamont, Jennifer Rose and Elder Charles Harrison Mason Patterson.

Academically, Bishop Patterson earned the Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration in 1958 from Fisk University, Nashville, Tennessee; Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree in 1963 from DePaul University School of Law, Chicago, Illinois; Master of Arts in Religion Degree in 1985 from Memphis Theological Seminary, Memphis, Tennessee. He was admitted to practice law in the states of Illinois and Tennessee.

Because of his concern for humanity, he was led to seek public office. For twenty-one years he served the State of Tennessee and City of Memphis with dignity, honor, and distinction. Bishop Patterson served as State Senator for six years, State Representative for two years, Memphis City Council for 20 years. He was delegate to Democratic National Convention in 1972, 1976 and 1980, Tennessee Constitutional Convention delegate, Chairman of Memphis City Council and the first African American to serve as interim Mayor of Memphis. During his last term in office he announced his decision to not seek re-election and to devote his time, talents and energy to kingdom work.

Bishop Patterson has served the Church Of God In Christ as Elder, District Superintendent, Auxiliary Bishop, Legal Counsel, Saints Center Board of Directors, C. H. Mason Foundation Board of Directors, Advisor to Women's International Convention. He was consecrated to the Bishopric in November, 1988 and was appointed Prelate, Headquarters Jurisdiction. He was elected Vice-Chairman of the General Assembly in November, 1998 and elevated to Chairman, June 2000, after the demise of Chairman Frank Ellis.

Bishop Patterson became Pastor of Pentecostal Temple Church Of God In Christ, Memphis, Tennessee, after the demise of his father, Bishop J. O. Patterson, Sr. in 1989 and has provided effectively positive leadership for the church.. Since his appointment as pastor, Bishop Patterson has continually strived to develop church/Christian ministries that will meet the needs of the whole man, as well as, the Memphis community at large. To meet the needs of the homeless and displaced citizens of the city, in April 1990, Bishop J. O. Patterson, Jr. established Pentecostal Temple's Food Pantry and Clothes Closet. Since that time, thousands of hungry people have been fed and clothe.

Bishop Patterson's vision for community outreach did not stop there. To meet the need for community evangelism and ministry to the sick and shut-in, the J. O. Patterson Radio and Television Ministries was developed.

To redeem our youth by developing leadership and positive role models, Bishop Patterson saw a need for the church to develop and sponsor a Boy Scout program. This program have now received various awards for excellence from the regional Boy Scout Council.

In addition to establishing a scouting program for our youth, Bishop Patterson has also initiated a scholarship program to assist motivated and disciplined youth with financial support for post high school education. This program is administered through Headquarters Jurisdiction. Bishop Patterson's vision did not stop there.

Seeing the need to organize the men of Pentecostal Temple for fellowship and spiritual growth, the pastor called for the formation of a men's fellowship group called the Brothers for Christ. A men's Choral group was also formed that serves during worship services.

All of these ministries were introduced for the sole purpose of meeting the needs of the whole man. Under his leadership, this church will not rest on its' laurels, but will continue to develop and support ministries that will meet the needs of the men and women, boys and girls of this community. By so doing, many will be drawn to Christ.